The Leinster thread

[munstermuffin]

Been honest it very hard to see Leinster get a home QF regardless of BP they'd need a hell of a lot to go there way. As for game surely they have to attract what is a poor 11-15 for Os. Leinster will win this from the bench but do think it'll be some battle up front

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Absolutely great new for Leinster rugby today, with both Seanie and Strauss, it's put me in a very good mood!

Been honest it very hard to see Leinster get a home QF regardless of BP they'd need a hell of a lot to go there way. As for game surely they have to attract what is a poor 11-15 for Os. Leinster will win this from the bench but do think it'll be some battle up front

I was thinking that myself, 1 or 5 points tomorrow will probably see us stay in 6th seed, an away game to Toulouse, Toulon or Leicester beckons for Munster and Leinster I think.

 

[munstermuffin]

We'll just doing it from Munsters view I know we need 1 team at least to slip. I think if Leinster were to get home QF or even out of 6th they'd need Munster to loose at home and Racing to beat Clermont and few other scenarios

 

[lynam1104]

Rumors now that Heaslip said no to Toulon and IRFU will be making an announcement this week.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

The team to play Zebre on Sunday (coverage on RTE.ie):

Leinster: Z Kirchner, D Fanning, B Macken, N Reid, S Coghlan-Murray, J Gopperth, J Cooney, M Bent, A Dundon, T Furlong, L Cullen (capt), M McCarthy, K McLaughlin, S Jennings, J Murphy

Replacements: J Tracy, J O'Connell, E Byrne, T Denton, D Ryan, L McGrath, I Madigan, D Hudson

Sam Coghlan-Murray makes his debut on the left wing. He's an exciting runner. Tadhg Furlong starts at tighthead prop for the first time after three cameos off the bench (totalling 18 minutes). I'm looking forward to seeing him play because he's very talented, possibly more so that the newly capped Martin Moore. Edward Byrne is also in the squad for the first time although I suspect he won't make an appearance given he's the third choice loosehead in the XXIII. Michael Bent is the likely tighthead cover.

It's a very strong pack with the backline pockmarked with experience.

 

[munstermuffin]

The team to play Zebre on Sunday (coverage on RTE.ie):

Leinster: Z Kirchner, D Fanning, B Macken, N Reid, S Coghlan-Murray, J Gopperth, J Cooney, M Bent, A Dundon, T Furlong, L Cullen (capt), M McCarthy, K McLaughlin, S Jennings, J Murphy

Replacements: J Tracy, J O'Connell, E Byrne, T Denton, D Ryan, L McGrath, I Madigan, D Hudson

Sam Coghlan-Murray makes his debut on the left wing. He's an exciting runner. Tadhg Furlong starts at tighthead prop for the first time after three cameos off the bench (totalling 18 minutes). I'm looking forward to seeing him play because he's very talented, possibly more so that the newly capped Martin Moore. Edward Byrne is also in the squad for the first time although I suspect he won't make an appearance given he's the third choice loosehead in the XXIII. Michael Bent is the likely tighthead cover.

It's a very strong pack with the backline pockmarked with experience.

Snoop would you agree it's harmful to Madigan not starting this weekend.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Perhaps but it's understandable. Madigan has been with Ireland all week so won't have practiced with Sunday's team. I fully expect that he'll start next week.

 

[munstermuffin]

Possibly but thought he'd have been given 2 starts to really put a claim in for bench in Twickenham. I understand he was with Ireland until yesterday

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

That was an impressive showing from Leinster. 8-31 away win over Zebre. Tries from John Cooney, Noel Reid, Zane Kirchner and Darren Hudson. Sam Coghlan Murray made his debut and didn't look overawed, making a fantastic break for Reid's score. Edward Byrne came on at the end to make his debut too, Tadhg Furlong got 55 minutes and was part of an excellent scrummaging unit. Man of the match for me was Noel Reid.

 

[big ginger 8]

Good to see Luke McGrath adnd Cooney looking good as well. Been keeping an eye on Furlong for a good while delighted to see him take his oppurtunities.

 

[big ginger 8]

Before the match starts tonight I just want to say how much I'm looking forward to seeing Conan and Furlong tonight. Both are players whos progression I've really taken an interest in. Furlong started against Zebre and had some really strong scrums he's also the sort of tighthead who doesn't look out of place outside the scrum. Conan, well I think he could be our Picamoles, pretty much the exact same stats. He's been tearing it up in the AIL and hopefully he can transfer that form to this level.

I also really hope this doesn't prove to be "a week to soon" for Fitzy, once again. In addition, while I'm glad Cullen has finally been dropped MO'C's obsession with starting Fanning and not wanting to give Hudson any time at all is really grating.

 

[Feicarsinn]

This on tv?

 

[big ginger 8]

This on tv?

Yep, RTE 2 and BBC 2 Wales.

As well as some other channels for anyone interested in other regions.

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/11475.php#.UwZPp_l_tJs

 

[big ginger 8]

Less than 4 minutes in and Jack Conan already has a try and Furlong pressurising the scrum and making a covering tackle. I am a prophet.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

22-34 final score. Leinster's third bonus point win on the trot but still lots to work on. Tadhg Furlong looked very good again.

A special word for Scott Andrews for being too busy lamping Jack O'Connell than to defend the tryline for Eoin Reddan's try.

 

[munstermuffin]

Snoop agreed there still lots to do and Leinster were far from convincing. But considering they're missing plenty it's understandable. Furlong was good and Marty Moore will have battle in months and seasons to come. Conan was very good too but it was an ok at best overall performance. But that was to be expected with so many missing. If I'm honest though Denton was poor and Roux had great reputation coming over but since he arrived between injuries and form it's not going anywhere near good for him

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

That was a good game to watch, both teams playing attacking rugby! We got very lucky though, Copeland butchered a 4 on 1!

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Furlong was good and Marty Moore will have battle in months and seasons to come.

I think you're absolutely right here. Martin Moore has exploded on the scene this season and is now neck and neck with Mike Ross. With those two likely to be on international duty for the next 18 months, Furlong will get plenty of chances with Leinster. Come the 2015/16 season, I suspect Furlong and Moore will be fighting it out to be top dog at Leinster with frequent rotation.

 

[big ginger 8]

Horrible defense from both sides, we really need to sign a centre quick. A Reid Macken combo cannot defend at all. We've played some really poor stuff but ended up with 3 bonus point wins from 3 so that's good in it's own way.

I'm going to start upping the hype around Furlong, Conan was good but Furlong was my MotM. Scrummed really well (against admittedly not a great Cardiff scrum), carried really well showing a nice step off the right and good hands and by my cound mad 3 covering tackles.

 

[munstermuffin]

@BG8 I made that statement earlier in Ire v Eng thread. Leinster wasted money getting Kirchner. Ok he's good for periods like this but you don't pay the wage he on for guys just to fill a gap in 6Nations break. They should've used money and NIQ spot for a centre even a young 1 with a good potential. I know Luke Fitz will be 13 next season or so I hear Leinster fans say but will his body survive there?
@Snoop really think Furlong could overtake Moore as he just seems to have that little bit extra. But regardless those 2 Archer ( who has improved) and Fitzpatrick and well it not bad considering where Irish rugby was before this fixture 2 years ago.